adj. & n.
--adj. also 1 having separate and independent existence.
2 Law relating to rights and duties.
3 (of an enactment, motion, resolution, etc.) made in due form as such; not amended.
4 Gram. expressing existence.
5 (of a dye) not needing a mordant.
6 Mil. (of a rank etc.) permanent, not acting or temporary.
7 archaic denoting a substance.
--n. Gram. NOUN.
Phrases and idioms:
the substantive verb the verb 'to be'.
Derivatives:
substantival adj. substantively adv. esp. Gram.
Etymology: ME f. OF substantif -ive, or LL substantivus (as SUBSTANCE)